“We are the world, we are the children …”
For several minutes Barrhead Elementary School gym throbbed to the sounds of 1985, sounds of hope, yearning and togetherness. There on a big screen were many stars of that decade, including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner.
Watching were BES children, staff and parents as the school’s “Mt. Columbia Cougars Christmas Assembly” on Dec. 20 came to a rousing climax.
If the music struck a chord, it is little wonder. True to the song’s spirit, students this year have been trying to make a brighter day for others by embarking on a “World Vision Challenge.”
Their mission is to raise funds to furnish classrooms in developing nations with such essentials as desks, chairs and chalkboards. They have a target of $6,600, enough money to equip the same number of classrooms at BES: 33.
So far they have exceeded all expectations by reaching $2,635.
The theme of giving and coming together pervaded the Christmas Assembly, which featured a World Vision Loonie Tree draw.
Of course, the occasion was also full of the festive fare visitors have come to expect: songs in English and French and poetry readings. There was also a chance for everyone to join in singing Christmas carols.
Then came the stirring finale when BES stood together as one with the rest of the world.
